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Alternative Bill Issued To Find Balance With MN Voter ID Amendment

Some Republican lawmakers say they are open to considering a technology-driven alternative to a proposed constitutional amendment which would require voters to bring photo IDs to the polls.

A bill circulating in St. Paul now would create an “electronic poll book” voter verification system through a new law, rather than altering Minnesota’s constitution. It’s too early to tell if GOP leaders would drop their current ballot push for the constitutional amendment if the legislation were adopted.

Democratic Secretary of State Mark Ritchie sees this as a less expensive option than requiring voters to present a state-issued ID card. Election officials would look up existing drivers’ license photos or to take new photos of each voter at polling places.